For a nursery lunchbox, first choose a fruit yoghurt that meets the nursery’s guidelines and, where applicable, the child’s individual care plan (PAI). Then compare the texture and ingredients of the specific product, and follow its storage instructions: the stated time out of the fridge for a yoghurt drink does not apply to other products.
If your child follows an individualised diet, check the ingredients list and the meal instructions agreed with the nursery. In France, the DGCCRF says allergens must be highlighted in the ingredients list on pre-packed food. Service Public explains that a PAI can set out the adjustments needed to support a child at nursery.
Whether you choose a yoghurt with pieces or a smooth, stirred recipe, go for a texture your child already eats and check the packaging for the texture of the flavour you have in mind.
If you’re taking yoghurt from home to nursery, plan the journey around its storage instructions. Anses recommends maintaining the cold chain; a manufacturer’s stated time out of the fridge applies only to the product concerned.
Start with the nursery’s rules and any specific instructions for your child. Then choose between a pot with pieces, a smooth pot or a yoghurt drink, taking into account the storage instructions for each product.
| Criterion | What to check | Who this applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Allergens and nursery guidelines | Check the PAI, if there is one, the nursery’s rules and the ingredients list, particularly any highlighted milk allergen. | If my child needs to avoid milk or follow specific mealtime instructions, checking that the product is suitable comes before choosing its format; around 42% of shoppers would put this first. |
| Transport and storage | Read the stated storage temperature or time limit, and check whether the nursery accepts the container and can keep the product chilled. | To bring chilled yoghurt without breaking the cold chain, I need to plan the journey and arrange for it to be received at nursery; around 33% of shoppers would prioritise this. |
| Texture and ingredients | Compare the pieces, ingredients and sugars in the nutritional information, using the same basis of 100 g; take your child’s age into account. | If texture matters to my child, I also want to know what’s in the flavour I’ve chosen rather than relying on the range name; around 25% of shoppers would prioritise this choice of recipe. |
The products described by Auchan and Yoplait contain milk. A PAI can set out specific mealtime arrangements for a child attending nursery.
Check the allergens highlighted on the packaging of the product you buy, and follow the PAI and the nursery’s instructions.
Yoplait says its 180 g Yop can be kept out of the fridge for up to 8 hours. This guidance does not apply to other yoghurts: for example, an Auchan fruit yoghurt product page says to store it between 0 °C and +6 °C.
Follow the instructions for the exact product, and keep anything that needs chilling cold.
For children under 3, Manger Bouger says that 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed dairy products are unsuitable. The product page for a Delisse 0% fruit yoghurt also lists sweeteners.
Take your child’s age into account and read the full ingredients list instead of relying on the label on the front.
Product pages for fruit yoghurts published by Auchan and Carrefour show that ingredients vary by flavour.
Check each variety if the ingredients or the presence of pieces affect your choice.
The range includes fruit yoghurts; the Activia product featured by Auchan is a selection of 16 x 125 g pots.
Panier de Yoplait offers fruit yoghurts with pieces, while Yop is a yoghurt drink. These formats have different transport and serving requirements.
The supermarket’s own-label range includes fruit yoghurts in 125 g pots.
E.Leclerc product pages feature fruit yoghurts with pieces as well as smooth, stirred yoghurts without pieces.
The supermarket’s own-label range includes a selection of fruit yoghurts with pieces in 16 x 125 g pots.
Don’t bring it if the child’s PAI excludes milk. Service Public explains that a PAI can set out mealtime arrangements at nursery; also check the ingredients on the pot you buy and the nursery’s instructions.
Yes, if its storage instructions say to keep it refrigerated. Anses recommends maintaining the cold chain; the time out of the fridge stated by Yoplait for its 180 g Yop does not automatically apply to another yoghurt.
Choose a texture your child already eats, and follow any specific instructions that apply to them. Yoplait and Delisse product pages feature recipes both with and without pieces; check the exact flavour and format before buying.
No. Manger Bouger says that 0%, skimmed and semi-skimmed dairy products are unsuitable for children under 3. You should also read the ingredients list for the product you’re considering.